Page: [1] Knoxville 19th November 1797 Sir Since you left Tennessee two indians was inhumanly Murdered, near the Mouth of Stones river. The circumstances [deleted text: appear ] is reported, that the indians at Hays'es Station, was [deleted text: somewhat ] a little intoxicated, and [deleted text: braged [bragged] ] boasted of their war exploits, Said they had killed Hays the former owner of [deleted text: that ] the station, and a young man of the name of McCown near the same place [deleted text: It ] in the Course of a day or two afterwards the two indians Were found near their Camp, both dead, and shot through their bodies -- Notwithstanding the Murder being thus committed, the indians on the Cumberland road, And every where [everywhere] else seem friendly disposed, and Say no damage Shall be done on their Side [deleted text: in ] as [deleted text: consequences ] a retaliation for their people killed -- Several persons Suspected, have been apprehended, but no proof of the overt Act could be had -- The people on what is called the indian lands, Appear to be in great distress, some have removed, & others have not, and say they will not, and [added text: again ] others that did remove, have returned, what will be the consequence I am not able to foretell, but I realy [really] fear the event. I need not request you to use your utmost exertions in behalf of these distressed people, for I am well assured you will, and if any thing [anything] can be done in their favor [deleted text: I hope you will ] it will lay both the people & myself under very great obligations I am with great & Sincere respect, your Mo. obed Sert. [Most obedient Servant] [document damaged] Page: [2] The Secretary will please to make out three copies in time for the post tomorrow. Tuesday even,g [evening] [Signed] JS. [John Sevier] Copy to the Honble [Honorable] Andrew Jackson Jos [Joseph] Anderson & Wm. [William] C.C. Claiborne 19th Nov. 1797 Post no [number] 14 Recorded